Bindeshwar Mahadev, Patti Chauthan, Thalisain, Pauri Garhwal

Bindeshwar Mahadev, often cited as “Binsar Mahadev” is one of the prominent Hindu pilgrim places in India. It is situated in the Pauri Garhwal district of Indian State Uttarakhand. The temple is among the oldest Hindu temples that falls in the province of Patti Chauthan.

Binsar Mahadev is near to Tehsil Thalisain, one of the blocks
in the district of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. 

Binsar Mahadev, not to be confused with similar name temple in the district of Almora, Uttarakhand is located at an altitude of 2600 meters from the sea level. Binsar Mahadev Temple is encircled with beautiful valleys and is dedicated to lord Shiva also called Binsar Mahadev by local inhabitants.

This ancient place is still accessed by the long trekking that passes through forests of Pine, Rhododendrons, Himalayan Oak, and Deodar etc. Binsar Mahadev is situated at the foothill of Dudhatoli Danda, a well known forest in Uttarakhand, known for its picturesque scenes and is considered the best place to visit in Uttarakhand.

 

History of Bindeshwar Mahadev

The exact dawn of Bindeshwar Mahavdev is still unknown and is subject of research for many intellectuals and researchers. Different pollsters have their different views on the discovery of temple. According to people of nearby villages, Bindeshwar Mahavdev (Binsar) was made by Pandavas, the characters of great Hindu epic Mahabharata. 

Pandavas were five sons of Pandu, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva). Bindeshwar was the place from where they all lead to Himalayas. It is also believed the temple is made in just one night when Pandavas were on their Agyat Vaas (disguise in forest) of 12 years. 

Inside the temple, the image of Mahesmardini is imprinted with “Nagri lipi” also points out the temple association with the early 9^th century. Many times, the team of ASI (Archeology Survey of India) has taken pictures, samples of temple’s idols, scripts because of its archaeological connotation.

Other Story of Bindeshwar (Binsar) Mahadev

According to other story, the temple is believed to build by Maharaja Prithivi on the memory of his father Bindu. There is old stone made idol inside the temple having no head, called Binsar, and worshiped as lord Shiva. In the ancient time, there was also a natural water source called, Kund which water reaches up-to to village, Sunder Gown.

Gods Worshiped at the Temple

According to temple priest, over 84 crores Hindu deities are worshipped at the temple along with Binsar Mahadev. Some of the prominent Hidu Gods at temple are lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Nandi Bail, Bhaironath, Local God Heeth, and female deities like Mata Lakshmi, Durga, and Kali etc.

Story of Nandi Bail at Bindeshwar Temple

It is believed that Binsar Mahadev had assigned, Bail Nandi a duty to look after the temple but one day mistakenly BailNandi grazed out the field of” Patwal” people of nearby village called Chokot and When they came to know about this they bust the leg of Nandi, later they felt remorse and since Nandi Bail is worshipped at temple in the form of Black idol. 

Brahm Dhungi Binsar Mahadev

Brahm Dhungi is giant sandstone, approximately 2 km up on the hill from the temple. It has association with the temple as according to the local people, it was carried out by the Bhima, one of the five brothers in Pandavas to make other part of temple but he had left it on the hill because of morning as during Agyaat vass they could not perform any task in sun light.

Fair at Binsar Mahadev

A big fair is celebrated at the temple every year on the occasion Baikunth Chaturdashi (falls in October-November month of the Gregorian calendar) after the few days of Deepawali.  Many devotees from the villages of Pauri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Almora districts took part in this fair.

Water Mangar (a natural water source) at Bindeshwar Mahadev

Natural Water Source

There are few fresh water Mangars at the temple on which devotees took the holy bath before getting sight of Lord Bindeshwar. The histories of these mangars are equally in doubt alike the history of the temple. These mangars have been continuously flowing for many centuries. 

Broken Idols at Bindeshwar Temple

Broken Idols at Binsar

There are few broken idols have been placed in the front wall of the temple. These idols are believed to be of ancient times. According the temple priest, these were broken by Nepalese during their control over Garhwal, as Garhwal region remained under the Kingdom of Nepal for many years.

How to Reach Bindeshwar (Binsar) Mahadev

Bindeshwar Mahadev doesn't has motor road, it can only be accessed by the trekking. Every nearby village has its own shortcut way to reach the temple yet organized way is from village Chounda, near Jagatpuri which is nearly 6km steep climb. On the other hand, people of Pauri Garhwal district can go there from Thalisain-Peersain Motor Marg and from Peersain there is 9 Km. trekking road for the temple. There are only limited accommodation facility at the temple so devotees are advised manage their travel accordingly. Rest Rooms are available at Thalisain, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkhand.